New dog waste bins to be installed

The provision of dog waste bins on the new section of the greenway is to be considered by Westmeath County Council, which has procured a number of these bins in recent weeks.

The issue of dog waste was raised by Fianna Fail Councillor Aengus O’Rourke at the November meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District, who wanted to know why there were “no bins of any description” on the newly-opened section of the greenway.

“There are no signs or instructions on this new section for people carrying dog waste or dog dirt, so what should people do with such material?" he asked.

By way of response from the council, Cllr O’Rourke was told that the environment section of the council has procured “a number of dog waste bins” and it is intended to install them in areas of high footfall for dog walkers “and the new section of the greenway will be considered when selecting the exact locations.”

The meeting heard that the installation of the new bins is due to commence “in the coming weeks” and the council encourages people out walking their dogs to “dispose of their dog waste in a responsible manner in the waste bins provided.”